BACHELOR OF CHRISTIAN STUDIES
The Bachelor of Christian Studies degree (conferred by the Australian University of Theology) is obtained through two years of study at the RTC combined with one year’s study at an Australian University.
The Bachelor of Christian Studies will give students a strong Christian foundation in preparation for teaching, social work and other non-theological professions. The degree aims to introduce students to the sources and content of the Christian story and message so as to enable them to apply a Christian perspective and commitment to their life in the world, including their professional and vocational life.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Discipline knowledge and understanding
1. Demonstrate functional knowledge and understanding of ‘Christian Studies’ as an academic discipline
2. Discuss the interaction between Christian Studies and at least one other non-theological field of knowledge and understanding
3. Apply the functional spiritual and ethical implications of Christian Studies and at least one other non-theological field of knowledge and understanding
Inquiry and analysis
4. Collect, analyse, evaluate and synthesize recognised scholarship in Christian Studies and other non-theological fields of knowledge and understanding in inquiry-based learning
Problem solving and integration
5. Synthesize Christian Studies with at least one other non-theological field of knowledge and understanding
6. Construct evidence-based perspectives on functional issues in Christian Studies and other non-theological fields of knowledge and understanding by using recognized source materials and relevant scholarly literature, evaluating alternative interpretations and drawing reasoned conclusions
Communication
7. Present functional ideas, knowledge and principles in Christian Studies and other non-theological fields of knowledge and understanding to, and engage with, different audiences using a variety of formats
Teamwork and professional practice
8. As leader and in groups, apply functional ‘Christian Studies’ understanding in formal ministry contexts, professional and vocational life, and the wider community
Engagement with the world
9. Engage with the functional challenges of contemporary Christianity, society and the wider world
Continuous learning and professional development
10. Demonstrate a capacity for independent reflection and learning to sustain personal and professional development in Christian, professional and vocational life and ministry
COURSE CONTENT
The Bachelor of Christian Studies comprises 24 units of study (288 credit points).
The core units in the RTC’s Bachelor of Theology program are:
- Old Testament Introduction—24 cps, OT001-512, OT002-512
- New Testament Introduction—24 cps, NT001-512, NT002-512
- Christianity in History, Theology, or Philosophy & Ethics—48 cps (inc. 8cps CH, 8cps TH)
- OT/NT Set Books – 36 cps (with a minimum of 12 cps from Old Testament and New Testament each)
- Independent study project that relates to the student’s non-theological area of study to the Christian faith – IN200-712
In addition students must complete:
- 60 cps electives from any unit field
Non-Theological Study
At least one year F/T equivalent of degree level study at an Australian University in a non-theological field of which at least 75% must form a coherent area of study: applied as 96cps.
Certain advanced level units may only be taken when the pre-requisite units have been completed or when co-requisite units are taken concurrently. Individual unit syllabi should be consulted for further information.
Units in this course are completed at Level 5 and above, including 96cps advanced standing from another qualification in another discipline. Units studied in the ACT in religious studies for this qualification are 192cps, including at least 72cps at Level 7 or above.
Regulations:
- Students may not enrol in more than 60 cps per semester
- Greek or Hebrew exegesis units require the completion of the relevant 24 cp of Hebrew or Greek language units
The Bachelor of Christian Studies is a course of the Australian College of Theology.
STUDY OPTIONS
RTC has some great flexible study options to suit all students wanting to commence study in Semester 1, 2025. From on campus in the Melbourne CBD to the comfort of your own home via distance and online subjects.
Check out the various study options available at the RTC in Semester 1, 2025, starting Monday, 17th February.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
ATAR: Completion of Year 12 in the last two years, with an ATAR of 65 or above; OR
Previous Qualifications: Successful completion of a qualification at AQF Level 5 or above; OR
Demonstrate Academic Suitability for course: Test, Brief Essay, or Interview.
Language Qualifications for NESB: IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0 in each subtest OR 10 years in Australia with English being the language primarily spoken both at home and work.
FEES
Domestic Students: $11,136 per semester for full-time (48cp) (2024 course fees and credit points).
International Students: $13,000 AUD per semester. If you require accommodation at Barkley Hall, you will require a further $7,000 AUD per semester. The RTC is presently unable to offer scholarships or financial assistance to overseas students. Find out more about fees and applications for oversees students here.
RTC is an Affiliated College of the Australian College of Theology. The tuition fees are set by ACT on an annual basis. Tuition fees are outlined below. FEE-HELP loans are available to eligible students to fund the tuition fees for all accredited courses.
FEE-HELP loans are not available for the Certificate in Theology, the Academic Studies in Theology Certificate or units studied under Single Unit Study mode.
The 2025 Fee Schedule is available for download here.
ENROLLMENTS
Australian & New Zealand Students
Enrolling at RTC is easy. Prospective students will need to complete an Application Form. This can be done online by clicking the link below, or by completing a printable form and either submitting it electronically or by post.
Once you have submitted your application form you will receive an immediate confirmation of receipt of the form. It will then take approximately 48 hours to process your application.
As well as submitting an application form, prospective students should make an appointment to meet with the registrar (Paul Lucas) to discuss their proposed course. Paul can be contacted on (03) 5244 8600.
The RTC has two academic semesters per year; the first runs from February to June, and the second from July to November. Applicants will need to enrol at the beginning of each semester and once successful will need to make arrangements for paying the prescribed fees.
The application form can be submitted online.
A printable application form (see below) may also be completed and submitted electronically or at the RTC. For more information regarding digital signatures, see here.
International Students
The Reformed Theological College (RTC) welcomes applications from overseas students. Along with the general admission procedures that apply to Australian students, there are certain requirements that overseas students must meet before being accepted for study. You will need to:
- show evidence of educational qualifications or work experience and means of financial support
- provide two recommendations from your home country (one of these should have had experience of your involvement in the life and ministry of a church), and
- demonstrate a proficiency in written and spoken English*
The Reformed Theological College is approved to deliver the following courses of the Australian College of Theology (CRICOS 02650E), which is the official “Higher Education Provider” for overseas students at the Reformed Theological College:
- Diploma of Theology (CRICOS 054649A)
- Diploma of Ministry (CRICOS 054659K)
- Diploma of Theology/Ministry (CRICOS 086267F)
- Bachelor of Theology (CRICOS 054676J)
- Bachelor of Ministry (CRICOS 054670D)
- Bachelor of Theology/Ministry (CRICOS 086274G)
- Graduate Certificate of Divinity (CRICOS 076017G)
- Graduate Diploma of Divinity (CRICOS 054685G)
- Master of Divinity (CRICOS 054688E)
More information concerning the process for enrolment may be found at the Australian College of Theology’s Overseas Student page.
Please consult the Australian Government Immigration website for additional Visa and immigration information; note especially the regulations concerning Student Visas. To study at RTC, you will need a Student Visa Subclass 500. You are unable to apply for this Visa until we have accepted you as a student and supplied you with an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).
Please note that the Visa approval process is controlled by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, not the RTC. If you are a citizen of New Zealand, you will not require a Student Visa to study in Australia, and technically you would not be an Overseas Student.
Overseas students may access student support services that are broadly available to all RTC students.
Please also know that the RTC may not admit an overseas student in the first six months of a registered course from another provider, except where expressly permitted. For more information, please review the Australian College of Theology’s Overseas Students Release and Transfer Policy.
APPLY NOW:
Prospective students will need to complete an Application Form. Australian and New Zealand students can apply online. RTC also welcomes applications from overseas students. Please review admission requirements and other information in the Australian University of Theology’s Coursework Course Enrolment Policy.